Whether you are a mechanic, a fleet manager or a DIY enthusiast looking for a specific gasket, you've likely noticed the name on the box changing. What started as the iconic Lombardini brand became KOHLER, and as of late 2024, has transformed into Rehlko. Here is the full story of how an Italian legend evolved into a global energy leader.
The Italian Roots: The Lombardini Legacy
The story begins in 1922 in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Adelmo Lombardini produced his first engine, eventually founding Lombardini Fabbrica Italiana Motori in 1933. For decades, Lombardini was the "gold standard" for small diesel engines in Europe.
Iconic Products:
- 15LD Series: The legendary single-cylinder air-cooled diesel engines found in everything from walk-behind tractors to generators.
- FOCS (Fully Integrated Overhead System): Launched in 1988 (the LDW series), these were the first engines to offer high performance in a compact, liquid-cooled package.
- CHD (Compact Heavy Duty): These rugged, water-cooled engines became the backbone of mini-excavators and heavy industrial machinery.
Lombardini wasn't just a factory; it was the heart of Italian diesel engineering, known for making engines that were compact, loud and virtually indestructible.
The KOHLER Era: 2007 - 2024
In 2007, the Wisconsin based giant Kohler Company acquired the Lombardini Group. Kohler already had a massive presence in gasoline engines, but they lacked a robust diesel lineup. By buying Lombardini, they instantly became a global powerhouse.
What Changed?
- Branding: Over several years, the "Lombardini" name was phased out from the engine castings and stickers, replaced by KOHLER Engines.
- Modernization: Kohler poured investment into the factory in Reggio Emilia. They introduced the KDI (Kohler Direct Injection) series, which removed the need for a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) in many power ranges - a game-changer for emissions compliance.
- Global Reach: Italian engineering met American distribution. Spare parts became easier to find globally, though many long-time fans still affectionately referred to their "Kohler" engine as a "Lombardini".
The Shift to Rehlko: Why the Change?
In May 2024, Kohler Company made a strategic decision to spin off its entire "Energy" division (which included engines and generators) to Platinum Equity, a private equity firm.
In September 2024, the newly independent company officially rebranded as Rehlko (pronounced RELL-koh).
Why "Rehlko"?
It's not just a random name; it's an anagram of KOHLER. The change allows Kohler Company to focus exclusively on its kitchen and bath business, while Rehlko focuses entirely on "energy resilience" (engines and power systems).
Wait, is the quality changing?
No. The factories in Italy, the engineering teams, and the specifications remain the same. Rehlko is essentially "Kohler Energy" under a new flag.
Product Range Changes: What's In and What's Out?
As part of this transition and the stricter Stage V emissions regulations, the product lineup has seen some major updates. If you are looking for spare parts, pay close attention to these shifts:
The "New Guard"
- KSD Series (Kohler Small Displacement): This is the future. The KSD series (like the KSD 1403) is designed to replace many older liquid-cooled models. It's electronically controlled but designed to be a "drop-in" replacement for older mechanical engines.
- KDI Series: Continues to be the flagship for high-torque, heavy-duty applications.
Discontinued or Phasing Out
With the focus on Stage V compliance, some older mechanical "Lombardini-style" engines are being moved to "Service Only" status. This means the complete engines are no longer in production, but spare parts will be produced for years to come.
Looking for Parts? Don't Panic!
Whether your engine says Lombardini, KOHLER, or Rehlko, the DNA is the same. A piston for a Kohler KDW2204 is often the same part number as the one for a Lombardini LDW2204.
No worries, we bridge the gap. We track these name changes and part number supersessions so you don't have to. The logo on the box might change, but the precision of the parts remains the same.
Just send us the serial number of the engine and we send an offer for the required spare parts!
